Hawaiian Food – what makes it sooo good?

A girlfriend looking for catering for her May celebration – called inquiring about “ono” Hawaiian caterers. A rattled a few that I’ve experienced…Akau’s Hui, Maruju Market, Haili’s, Helena’s…but it dawned on me that there is a great diaspora of “Hawaiian” caterers out there – with their fare ranging from traditionally prepared imu kalua pua’a…to the oven-roasted liquid smoke version. Both can be flavorful – but you can tell the difference. Not all squid luau, chicken long rice, or lomilomi salmon’s are created equally either. So what makes it good? I think like wine – it’s up to you. Depends what you like…what’s your “ono” factor?